Beste Kalender
  • Opera
  • Toronto

Beste Kalender Participates in CoOPERAtive Program in Princeton, N.J.

2013 Jun 11

Beste Kalender of Toronto will participate in the CoOPERAtive Program, an opera training program at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, N.J., this July. She is one of 32 singers selected from hundreds from around the world who auditioned to be a CoOPERAtive Fellow.

Presented by professionals in the field of opera, the CoOPERAtive Program helps young singers prepare for acceptance into an advanced young artist or summer apprentice program. It is distinguished by its personal approach to developing a customized program for each singer. The faculty assess the strengths of each participant, nurture each singer’s talents and assist in her skill development.

The three-week intensive program includes private coaching focusing on operatic style, performance techniques, dramatic presentation, language and diction, body awareness, and resume and application advice. In addition to operatic repertoire, German lieder, French mélodie and American song are studied and performed in weekly concerts. Beste's schedule will include private coaching sessions, classes and master classes with some of the country's leading conductors, stage directors and pianists. Graduates of this program have been finalists in the Metropolitan Opera National Council's National Auditions and have gone one to work with opera companies throughout the United States.

The CoOPERAtive Program is directed by Westminster Choir College faculty members Laura Brooks Rice and Christopher Arneson. Sheri Greenawald of the San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program has said of the CoOPERAtive Program, “This isn't a recreational program...this is the real deal, where students will work hard and grow toward their goal, under the guidance of professionals who care."

To learn more about the CoOPERAtive Program go to www.rider.edu/cooperative or call (609) 924-7416.